PPS Filter for High-Temperature Cooking Oil Particulate Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filters for cooking oil in fryers are inefficient at removing particulate at high temperatures, degrade quickly, and absorb significant amounts of oil, leading to frequent replacements and waste.
Innovation Solution
A filter made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) material with randomly oriented fibers, capable of filtering particulate down to 0.5 microns at temperatures up to 425°F, and designed for reusable use with a separator screen to maintain effective filtration over extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filters (cellulose, rayon, stainless steel mesh) are used to filter cooking oil, then particulate removal is achieved, but the filters degrade quickly at high temperatures and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the filter from conventional cellulose/rayon/stainless steel to polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fabric, which has superior thermal stability and chemical resistance. This material parameter change enables the filter to withstand high temperatures (up to 425°F) and extend its operational lifespan significantly while maintaining filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining PPS fabric with an envelope design and separator screen. This composite approach integrates multiple functional elements: the PPS fabric provides heat resistance and filtration, the envelope structure contains the filter media, and the separator screen prevents bypass. Together, these materials create a durable filter system that resolves the contradiction between reliability and lifespan.
2Loss of substance
If conventional filters are used at high cooking temperatures, then filtration is performed, but the filters absorb significant amounts of oil requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material property of the filter from oil-absorbent cellulose/rayon to oil-repellent PPS fabric. This parameter change in material composition fundamentally alters the interaction between filter and oil, reducing oil absorption from significant amounts to minimal levels, thereby extending filter lifespan and reducing replacement frequency.
3Productivity
If standard filtration is performed on hot oil, then particulate is removed, but the filtering process is time-consuming and requires batch processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous filtration by allowing the filter to be installed directly in the fryer and process oil continuously as it circulates. This eliminates the need for batch processing where oil must be drained, filtered in batches, and returned. The PPS filter's high temperature stability allows it to function continuously in the hot oil environment, significantly reducing filtration time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pump as an intermediary device to circulate oil through the filter continuously. This intermediary mechanism enables the filtration process to occur in-line during normal frying operations rather than requiring separate batch processing steps, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing time loss.
4Measurement precision
If filters with fine particulate removal capability are used, then filtration precision is improved, but the filters clog more easily and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the filter to PPS fabric with optimized pore structure. This material has appropriate pore size distribution that enables fine particulate removal (0.5 to 5 microns) while preventing clogging. The hydrophobic and oleophobic properties of PPS further reduce particulate adhesion, maintaining filtration precision without increasing maintenance frequency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The PPS filter effectively removes particulate at high temperatures while reducing oil absorption, extending its lifespan and minimizing waste, with the ability to filter for up to 30 days at lower temperatures and 4 hours at 425°F.
Implementation Method 1
A filter made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) material with randomly oriented fibers, capable of filtering particulate down to 0.5 microns
Implementation Method 2
The pump is operably coupled to the suction line and configured to apply a vacuum to draw the cooking oil through the filter
Implementation Method 3
applying a pressure or vacuum to move the cooking oil through the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A method for filtering particulate down to 0.5 micron from cooking oil at a filtration temperature of up to 425° Fahrenheit is provided. The method includes providing a filter having a non-woven panel of randomly oriented fibers of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) material and exposing the filter to the oil for a period of time while applying a pressure or vacuum to move the oil through the filter for filtering particulate from the cooking oil.